Statement On The Incident At The Randal Phillips Polyclinic

Statement from Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Wayne Webster, on the recent incident at Randal Phillips Polyclinic.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness unequivocally condemns all acts of violence against health care workers.

Under no circumstances will such acts be tolerated since the safety and well being of health care workers are non-negotiable and remain an absolute priority.

The recent incident at the Randal Phillips Polyclinic on Monday, September 22, involving a verbal and physical altercation with a member of staff underscores the urgent need to address a growing culture of impatience and Ill temper within the society. 

However, impatience and or frustration cannot justify aggression towards caregivers. Such conduct only serves to put the health and safety of workers at risk and result in the disruption of delivery of healthcare services.

The Ministry has arranged counselling and debriefing sessions to support the mental health and emotional well being of affected staff. However, the Ministry of Health and Wellness wishes to remind members of the public who may be dissatisfied or encounter challenges while accessing services at any of its polyclinics that they should draw their concern to or make a complaint to the supervisor in charge or the medical officer of health responsible for that polyclinic, and if still dissatisfied, they may refer the matter to the Chief Medical Officer for resolution.

Prior to this most recent incident, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, after discussion with the staff and their trade union representatives, reviewed its protocols and implemented additional security measures, including security guards, surveillance cameras, increased visibility and lighting, as well as coordination with The Barbados Police Service for enhanced surveillance and patrol around its many healthcare institutions.

The Ministry will continue to engage in dialogue with staff and their trade union representatives to review and assess the changing societal attitudes and behaviours and agree upon requisite operational response mechanisms.

The Ministry remains committed to working towards achieving the core function of delivery of healthcare and in an environment that is conducive to ensuring the health, safety and well being of healthcare workers and the patients they serve. Safe, effective healthcare delivery depend upon collaboration, respect and shared responsibility.

Ministry of Health and Wellness

Author: Government of Barbados

Published: September 24, 2025